Emerald shoots the breeze with Makeda Marley, discussing both her positive and negative experiences relating to cannabis, and her LivLuv Experience organization. The conversation weaves through a range of topics, including the recent recognition of cannabis for medicinal and recreational uses, with her belief that “herb is the healing of the nation.” They also address the dank underbelly of the industry, and particularly her grow operation search and seizure (plus, the subsequent arrest stemming from that operation and the charges leveraged against her in the state of Pennsylvania).
Makeda Marley discusses her current marginalization from the industry due to the charges brought against her, the juxtaposition of her familial legacy’s immense contributions to the cannabis culture, and the dichotomous relationship of having a world-famous father and siblings. She also divulges her experience as a black woman in the cannabis industry, her views on the systemic racism machine that has perpetuated the enslavement of black and brown people through incarceration (similar to the literal historical shackles and chains).
Finally, the conversation is brought full circle focusing on Makeda Marley’s efforts with LivLuv, which she describes as an all-inclusive organization and movement which celebrates the legalization of marijuana, enjoyment of good music, and the shedding of the stigma of shame by harnessing the ability to, “LivLuv in the pursuit of happiness.” Cannabis and music have always been intertwined in her lineage and her pursuit is to bring reggae back into focus—integrated into the popular genres of music today—while simultaneously harnessing the power of love.
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